Approaching The Scene 250: Nikon’s Epic New 85 1.2 S Review & Comparison
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 มิ.ย. 2024
- (LINKS BELOW): I’ve had so much fun testing and shooting the heck out of Nikon’s new 85 1.2 S portrait lens for the past few weeks in Cuba. It’s big, heavy, expensive and creates amazing images. In this video I’ll share some pros and cons of using this lens, go through a bunch of sample images and compare it to Nikon’s cheaper, lighter 85 1.8 S and my beloved 105 1.4 F lens on the FTZ. In the end, I’ll share why, despite loving it, I'm not keeping this new lens for myself.
LINKED TABLE OF CONTENTS:
00:00 Intro to ATS 250
00:57 Testing the new 85 1.2 here in Cuba
01:56 I use a Kase 3-stop ND filter to enable F1.2 in daylight
03:19 85 1.2 S example images from Cuba
08:38 How & why I’ve been working more in monochrome
10:25 Comparing the 85 1.2 S vs the 85 1.8 S
13:12 Pros / Cons of the 85 1.2 S & Who is it for?
14:30 Why I’m personally not keeping it.
16:01 The 85 1.2 S vs the Nikon 105 1.4 F-mount
18:23 The 105 1.4 F is still a very special lens
20:16 For Video the 85 1.2 S has advantages
20:47 Why my 105 1.4 remains my portrait prime
22:14 Cuba has been amazing
23:25 Thanks for using my links!
Nikon’s New 85 1.2 S: bhpho.to/3HXj79Q
Nikon 85 1.8 S: bhpho.to/3nL5SCi
Nikon’s 105 1.4 F-mount: bhpho.to/3HUBpbR
Our selection of NYA-EVO packs & RCIs: bit.ly/HHP_NYA
My custom tripods & support parts: bit.ly/HHPTripds
Our selection of Kase filters: bit.ly/HHKase
Updated links to all the gear I use and recommend: bit.ly/HudsonsLinks
Using my links helps support this video series. Thank you!
I invite all of you to join Rick, Woody, David, Darren and me for our next free live Office Hours session May 23rd. Submit a Black & White image and we'll run through the gallery together and take your questions. Submit a question when you sign up.
Office Hour signup site: bit.ly/2UgDaX4
Thanks to everyone for the great questions you are sending in. Keep them coming either in the comments below or by emailing me directly. I hope to see you in the next Office Hours session.
Stay safe and healthy. - บันเทิง
I don’t need it. I cannot afford it. I want it.
Precisely!😂
😂😂😂
I am a portrait photographer. That little difference in fall off from the 85 f/1.8 to the 85 f/1.2 can take a great portrait to the next level.
When I bought my Z6 used from a friend, I also bought his 85 1.8 Z lens. Along with the kit 24-70 f4. I loved the 85 for portraits of the family. Then I got the 24-120 and have never used the 85 1.8 since. After watching this video, I think I need to go back to that 85 and use it more often!
I really enjoyed looking at your photos. Great video.
An excellent review and comparison between the three lenses 😀 You have yourself a new subscriber 👍
Great comparison of the lenses. I've always coveted that f105 1.4 ever since your ATS highlighting images from the "Day of the Dead" in Michoacán. Thanks to this review I found a used one for way less than 1/2 the price of the 85 1.2. Thanks so much.
The 85 1.8 S is currently my favourite portrait lens. It is a pleasure to use. I am sure the 1.2 is a fabulous lens but I opted for the 1.8 because I realised that it is a great lens in its own right. I knew which one I would be happy to carry all day. This is a big change for me, I never found the F-mount 85mm was a lens I would feel really pleased with, so it didn’t get much use. The opposite is true of the Z series 85mm.
You'll find that an apt comparison with almost every single Z to F mount lens out there. The 70-200 FL ED is almost as good as the S and there are a few other special F lenses like the PFs and the 105 1.4. But lens for lens, the bigger, closer Z mount has opened up a new world of optical quality that Nikon's engineers have exploited masterfully.
For F mount, the Tamron 85mm F1.8 was (or is) the better buy compared to the Nikon 85 F1.8 AF-S. It is slightly sharper wide open than the Nikon F version and had some less CA if I recall correctly. And it has VC as a bonus. I still use it on my Z6II's today. If I drop it and it dies, I'm going for the Z version. Obviously.
Just purchased 105 1.4 cheers off this review, cheers Hudson. Taking it out with me to next event, the prices for 105 are great now, had 85 on list but will put it towards Z8 now. Cheers
Awesome review! Thank you thank you! 👍
Lovely series of photos
Hey! I was really excited about this one as I am in the same boat. I absolutely love the 105 1.4 on the z9, and I don't think I'll be getting the 85 1.2 because of it, at least for awhile. I also have the 85 1.8 for travel and things like that too! As a wedding photographer I love the just special look that comes from the 105, it focuses more than fast enough for weddings.
I have been doing more and more video work with my z9, but I have that 85 1.8s and the 70-200s if I need a longer focal length for video.
I'm very much excited about the upcoming 35 1.2, I think that might be my go to all purpose story telling lens going forward.
Great video. really helped me make my choice
Congratulations on Show # 250, Hudson - quite a milestone. I've never had the 85mm f/1.8 nor the 105mm f/1.4 but I do now own the 85mm f/1.2. Having used it for 6 weeks now - I honestly feel it's a gamechanger - I just don't want to take it off my Nikon body. The only lenses comparable in terms of mindblowing out-of-focus blur were my Nikkor 200mm f/2.0 VRI and Otus Zeiss 55mm f/1.4, both of which I've sold: the former because it was physically too bulky, the latter partly to finance buying the 85mm f/1.2. Yes it's bulky, especially with the lens hood but when I go out and I do need something wider I almost always now take my new 26mm f/2.8, which takes no space at all. I'm not really a landscape person - mainly portraits (in which it excels) but I also found that it's produced stunning results when I took indoor music concert photos where the light was very limited and the subjects were moving around in an unpredictable way - yet everything was so razor sharp.
Oh yeah... If I didn't have the 105 1.4 I could never send it back. :)
I bought and recently used the Voltrox 75mm F1.2 DX on my Z8. Fabulous lens. Sharp. Great color. Half the weight, I/5 the cost.
Yep just did a video about it. th-cam.com/video/S2RBb3HXAn4/w-d-xo.html It's a fabulous crop sensor lens. Really special. I love it on the Z50. It crops to DX on any full frame camera like the Z8 (19 megapixels from that 48mp sensor) making it a 112.5mm equivalent with the 1.5 crop factor. It's a fabulous dx long portrait lens for Z50 or ZFc shooters. It's another bit of evidence supporting my assertion that those on a budget should strongly consider smaller sensors. Not having to design such a big image circle for full frame really allows some epic glass at reasonable prices and at lighter weight too.
Thank you so much. I own the 85 1.8 Z and the 105 1.4. I Was really thinking to buy the 85 1.2 and selling the two other lenses. But i think i Will just keep them, according to the size and weight aspects. And of course, the price.... thank you for making me save money !
I also only kept 105 1.4e and 58 1.4g f mount prime as they have that special rendering that I don’t see much on the z prime. I probably will keep them forever 😂. The 1.2 broke is temping though😅. Great video btw.
What's this "need" thing!? 🤣 Absolutely want this lens -- adore my 50 1.2z and can only imagine (or see your results know) how great the 85 is. However, my 600 Z remains out there in 'ordered months ago land' and the unpredictability of that delivery date screws up any sort of budget planning; just know the minute I pay for the 85, the 600 will arrive the following day :) Thanks for the review; love your content, as always.
Probably going to stay using my 85 1.8 due to size and I might be weird but kind of prefer the bokeh (sometimes overly creamy isn’t my thing)! 😂 but I do look forward to seeing the 35 1.2/1.4!
That being said, thanks so much for your work and help! You’re great!
I shoot with Zeiss 85 f1.4 manual on my Z7 II, and it's amazing!!
You saved me $2500. As I picked up and shot around the room with my 105 1.4, the urge for the 85 1.2 ebbed away (for now!)
I LOVE my 105 1.4 and I love 105 more than 85... One day they'll do a 105 1.4 Plena and I'll HAVE to have it, but for now I'm satisfied. We're in the same boat.
Shooting wide open, I like to do it whenever I can. But I like both eyes of my single subject to be in focus. At 105mm, I still get good separation at F4. I enjoyed your video and your images. This lens is special. If I had a sudden jump in income, I might get the 85mm, but since I have the 105mm, I will keep it and the FTZ.
I prefer the Z lenses because I can reverse the focus direction and more importantly use a long-throw linear setting to get ultra precise focus positioning on still life images. In those ways I love the 1.2. But if I had to travel the way you do, it’s way too much bulk to haul.
Oh man, thanks for the 105 comparison, I own that lens, sold my D850 and just today I've ordered the Z8, and I was afraid how will it behave in the Z8 (with adapter). Can't wait to test it myself. Maybe next year I will sell it, provided I have money to complete the 85 1.2 price.
How much did you get for D850?
Good alternative, I had the 105mm not in scope.
I have the 105mm 1.4 and 200mm f2… as amaizing the 85mm 1.2 I will not swap for my 105mm 1.4…
My 105mm 1.4 is amazing…I agree with you bro 😎
Hello ! Thanks a lot for this. I think that everyone will be agee to say z8 or z9 or z7 with this 85mm is a stellar quality. And as you mention it, afs 105mm (or 200mm 85mm) are still wonderful...and stay wonderful . I m at that point of thought: even if i buy a d850 new, i "save" money by not buying z85 f1.2 /z50f1.2 /z400mmf4.5/ the future z135mm and to be complete, ad a wide z20mm... plus a z body... that's a lot!🎉yw
Thanks, Hudson, for the comparisons. I'm a bit of a one-off (and I know it). I shoot predominately wildlife with secondary stuff including sports and action (dance). I do, however, use "portrait" focal length primes for those subjects for mostly environmental portraits. As such, rather than travel lite, my "style" looks for faster glass for subject isolation. When I shot the D850, I picked up a used 105mm f/1.4 at 1/3rd the original price. Then, when I moved to the Z9, I found a used copy of the 200mm f/2 VR. I've sold many of my other f-mount prime lenses except for the wider focal lengths. I have been curious about the Z 85 S 1.2, and the future Z 135mm f1.8 S. After shooting with the 200mm f/2 for several months, that's my benchmark for subject isolation, bokeh smoothness, etc. It's not my benchmark for weight or shooting distance. The 85mm focal length has the versatility of studio/indoors/outdoors. As you mentioned, if not shooting environmental fashion/portraits, you probably do not need the f1.2 aperture - as you are typically going to stop that down in studio anyway. I do appreciate your time and effort into these evaluations - and common sense approach for what you shoot. I'll wait on the 135mm f/1.8 for curiosity. Sometime if it's not a need, it's healthier for your psyche and wallet to sit on the side lines a little.
The 105 is the only F lens I have left and I just can't let it go. That 85 is super tempting though!
They're both just epic. It was tough to send that 85 back, but it would be even harder to sell the 105! 🤣
How tall are you Hudson? This is the first time that the 85 1.2 looks like a normal lens while you were holding it in the intro.
Just about 6 foot even. I almost never use hoods except on big wildlife primes or to use 112mm Filters on my Z lenses. With the stock hood the 85 looks enormous. Too big to point at non-models without making them feel uncomfortable.
what is the brand name of the ND filter and filter magnetic adapter you are using?
Www.hudsonhenry.com/kase revolution 82s. You'll find it all there at my link.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto ❤
Wise decision keeping the F 105/1.4+FTZ Sometimes I wonder. Z 85/1.2? nice in studio on controlled outdoor shoot - not my style ....
I have the 1.8 and the Sigma 85mm 1.4 and the 105mm macro S. with that said I'll wait for Nikon to make the 135mm.
It sounds like if you had the budget for the 85mm f/1.2, then you could almost get the 85mm f/1.8 AND a workshop for roughly the same price (give or take a little).
What is your opinion on the 50mm 1.2? Is it worth it compared to 24-70 2.8 S and 50 1.8? I am a cancer survivor and trying to enjoy my passion for photography while I have the energy.
It's a wonderful lens. Big and heavy, but special. The 1.8 is razor sharp and great, but the 1.2 let's you blow the background to soft bokeh. My only issue with it is the size. I prefer the 24-120 to the 24-70. It's so sharp and versatile in that range and I'd rather use faster primes than a 2.8 in that range when I need more light.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thank you. I purchased the 2.8 for $1600 and some change from a guy who used it less than 5 times. I returned my 24-120 S F4 lens as $400 difference was modest. I did like the 120 lens and it felt good in the hand. What is the best distance to shoot 50mm 1.2 to ensure the creamy background? Is this lens best for head to waste framing? So much to learn with photography.
The 2.8 zooms are great, but the only one I kept is the 14-24. Waist up is nicely blurred at 1.2, but the headshot is where it really turns to soft bokeh.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thank you for generously sharing your knowledge and time. I appreciate you and often watch your excellent videos. I am trying to become an excellent photographer and videographer.
That’s where the faster shutter speed of the z8 will come in handy for a lens like this
True, but ND is still great for keeping shutter speeds slower when desired.
Ps i bought a ftz 1 second hand so i can balance THE thing on tripod😊
In the beginning of this video, I was thinking about what d you would take. You will not keep the 85 1.2. I can understand your decision. I love the beautiful rendering of the 85 1.2. I like your videos und your personality.
That rare thing: 'common' sense.
Couldn't you just increase your shutter speed if you wanted to beat the sun 😅
Hold up why can't these go beyond 1/8000s in electronic shutter. That's wild
The Z6ii can't, but the Z8 & Z9 go up to 1/32,000
105 F 1.2
If only that existed, but... It would likely weigh a TON if it did. :)
When you’re shooting portraits what focus mode do you recommend? 3D?
@@stevehaden1392 for the z8/9 yes. For the other Z cameras, auto area + human eye.
It 's a great lens for sure, but when you are in the street of Havana, we would like to see the architecture in the background... So 1.2 is not that important, even at F1.8 you have to stop down a little bit to give some context instead having someone floating in mush of colors.
That's not what what a 1.2 is for my friend. You're watching the wrong video. Try this one: th-cam.com/video/wZebKMtPWO8/w-d-xo.html
Like your videos, but loathe people using return windows as rental windows.
I have an agreement with B&H twhere theye expect me to do exaltly that. I can borrow anything they have in stock for 30 days. For things that are newly launched and backordered they request I use NPS through thier fullfillment + the return window for my reviews in order to get it in my hands as fast as they can. ;)
Neither B&H nor Amazon care at all that other photographers do that to try out gear they may want to buy as long as they do it respectfully, honestly and return gear as new. It's built into thier business model. It would be quite wrong for someone to purposefully use a small local shop's policy in a cavalier fashion though. I fully agree with that
@@HudsonHenryPhoto glad to hear it. Might mention that when discussing returning. I hear you on NPS, I’ve requested the 800mm twice and not available 🤦🏼♂️. Happy shooting
I've said that in a dozen videos. It likely slips my mind sometimes, but again, B&H and Amazon are fine with people returning the products they don't like after a few weeks of testing. The end result is it returning to nikon USA to enter the refurbished market. Someone gets a slightly better deal and the wholesale/retail margins shrink ever so little. That's why Apple, Amazon, B&H and others offer such liberal return policies. It's expected. Again, I'll mention again soon that no one should use return policies to test gear at any of the few remaining small local stores. But as far as the big players go... It's simply expected.
Epic Lens is Canon RF 85 mm 1.2 and nothing comes close to it mate . Use and see
LMAO. Try the Nikons. All the brands rock, but Nikon and Leica are destroying it with the fast glass.
I just got mine delivered today. This is for me clearly a „want“ purchase rather than a „need“ purchase. But that’s ok. I only need some special, outstanding lenses on Z Mount, like the Nikkor Z 85mm 1.2. I don’t need any Z standard lens, that’s why I didn’t purchase any Nikkor 70-200mm 2.8 although it’s a great leans. I just adapt here what I have from E Mount as standard lenses and its working well. Just the 105mm 1.4 I don’t have :)